Although HIV cannot be cured, the life expectancy for people with HIV has improved rapidly over the last 20 years, due to modern treatments that help to control the condition.

Although HIV cannot be cured, the life expectancy for people with HIV has improved rapidly over the last 20 years, due to modern treatments that help to control the condition.

This means that the life expectancy for someone living with HIV, who is on anti-retroviral treatment and responding to treatment, is no different to the general population.

However, if you have HIV, your own personal life expectancy will depend on several factors. These include how early the condition was diagnosed and how early treatment began, your gender, and whether you smoke, or misuse drugs or alcohol.